Het verkopen van de buit 1859

This is "The Selling of Booty" by Herman Frederik Carel ten Kate, an undated watercolor on paper. The composition is dominated by a cluster of figures around a table, set against a backdrop of muted, earthy tones that evoke a sense of enclosure and secrecy. The figures' arrangement guides the eye, creating a dynamic interplay between the individuals involved in this transaction. The muted palette—dominated by browns, grays, and subtle reds—suggests a covert and perhaps morally ambiguous scene. It seems Ten Kate is challenging the traditional heroic narratives often associated with military exploits. The artist uses the formal elements to destabilize established notions of honor and valor, prompting viewers to question the values underlying such scenes. Notice how the artist's delicate application of watercolor lends itself to the creation of translucent layers, building depth and texture while maintaining a sense of fluidity and impermanence. This contributes to the work's engagement with the commodification of war, viewed through a lens that highlights the precariousness of value and the negotiation of power.